Allocation of PV Systems with Volt/Var Control Based on Automatic Voltage Regulators in Active Distribution Networks

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This paper offers an efficient allocation approach based on Automatic Voltage Regulators (AVRs) in active distribution networks for photovoltaic distributed generation (PVDGs) with Volt/Var management. This technology balances voltage quality and power losses with intelligent coordinated Var control. The suggested technique takes into account variations in hourly loads as well as the effects of the designated number of PVDGs on the functioning of the distribution system. A large-scale network in Caracas and a realistic distribution network in Egypt are simulated.

 

My recommendation

The paper is well-written for specialists. Therefore, we recommend accepting it because of the important and valuable information it contains, especially for researchers.

Best Regards 

Author Response

Thank you very much for your kind words. I would like to thank you and prospective reviewer for the valuable comments that certainly would improve the manuscript. Attached, please find the response to each of the reviewers’ comments.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

In general, this work presents some interesting findings. However, it has several concerns that needs to be alleviated. My detailed comments are given as follows:

1 Since the slim mold algorithm is a heuristic search method, its optimization results have a certain randomness.  In this case, how to guarantee that optimization result of each run converges to the global optimal solution? If it's not guaranteed, which optimization result should be chosen as the final solution? Please clarify.

2 How does the proposed methodology address the issue of voltage fluctuations caused by PVDGs in active distribution networks?

3 What are the key assumptions made in the proposed methodology and how do they impact the accuracy of the results?

4 What are the limitations of the proposed methodology and how can they be addressed in future research?

5 What are the key differences between the proposed methodology and existing methods for allocating PVDGs in active distribution networks?

6 How does the proposed methodology address the issue of voltage regulation in active distribution networks with PVDGs?

7 Using heuristic optimization algorithms for photovoltaic energy resources optimal placement in distribution network is a key idea in this work.  To highlight this point, authors should add some recent fundamental studies with the similar scenario and research targets to improve the review. Please refer to: "Optimal distributed generation planning in active distribution networks considering integration of energy storage" in Applied Energy; “Determination of optimal location and sizing of solar photovoltaic distribution generation units in radial distribution systems” in Energies.

8 The italic types of symbols in equations and the main text should be in the same expression.

 

               

 

Comments on the Quality of English Language

the Quality of English Language is acceptable

Author Response

Thank you very much for your kind words. I would like to thank you and prospective reviewer for the valuable comments that certainly would improve the manuscript. Attached, please find the response to each of the reviewers’ comments.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

In the article “Allocation of photovoltaic energy resources with Volt/Var control based on automatic voltage regulators in active distribution networks”, authors provided study involving Photovoltaic Distributed Generators (PVDGs) and their optimal placement and size in electrical distribution networks to improve system performance while maintaining efficient Volt/Var control through optimal Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR) settings. The study deals with minimizing active and reactive power losses and enhancing voltage quality in networks, considering PVDG uncertainties and hourly load variations. It is applied on two practical distribution networks: Kafr Rabea area (Egypt) and a network from the metropolitan area of Caracas.

 

Questions for the authors

1. The results and discussions seem to hinge significantly on percentages and numerical improvements. How can we be assured of the statistical significance and reliability of these results?

2. Given the variations in solar insolation and grid stability worldwide, how can the methodology be adapted or generalized to different geographical or infrastructural contexts?

3. How valid are the assumptions made during the simulations and formulations, especially concerning the predictability and stability of solar power generation and grid loads?

4. Is there an assessment of how implementing these strategies might impact end consumers, both in terms of power quality and potential tariff implications?

5. How robust are the methodologies in managing or mitigating issues that might arise from inaccuracies in the load or generation forecasting models used?

6. What might be the hardware adaptations or upgrades required to implement the proposed Volt/Var control strategies, and how does the cost of such adaptations weigh against the derived benefits?

7. In scenarios of failure or inaccuracy of the SMA or other control methodologies, are there safety and redundancy mechanisms in place to protect the network and ensure stability?

8. Was a sensitivity analysis conducted to ascertain the impact of variations in key parameters on the proposed solution, and if not, how might these variations impact the robustness of the findings?

Author Response

Thank you very much for your kind words. I would like to thank you and prospective reviewer for the valuable comments that certainly would improve the manuscript. Attached, please find the response to each of the reviewers’ comments.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 4 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The authors have presented a manuscript about the allocation of photovoltaic power plants using Volt/Var Control. 

The title indicate Photovoltaic Energy Resources, but photovoltaic installations is more accurate. In the case of Energy Resources, this term is used to production capability according to the renewable sources. Therefore, please, consider to change these word in the title. 

Please, provide the email of each researcher. Revise the instructions for authors and the journal template for it. 

The abstract mus be limited to 200 words, according to the instructions for authors. Also the results are missed. It is necessary to include them in the abstract. 

The introduction provide an adequate number of references, but the ideas are not properly developed. You have started with the DG and then the control systems in the grid. Without any other thing, you continue with control algorithms. 

Tables are not properly formatted. 

Author Response

Thank you very much for your kind words. I would like to thank you and prospective reviewer for the valuable comments that certainly would improve the manuscript. Attached, please find the response to each of the reviewers’ comments.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

All my concerns have been well addressed. No more comments.